Stun guns, many sold under the trade name Taser, are used by police departments as supposedly non-lethal alternatives to firearms for subduing suspects. But as a Sept. 2 incident in New Britain showed once again, the use of a stun gun can indeed involve death.

Police departments should review whether their officers are using such weapons appropriately — and new state guidelines may help them do just that.

On Labor Day, New Britain police Tasered an out-of-control man who had barricaded himself in an apartment. The 40-year-old then suffered medical problems and died at the Hospital of Central Connecticut; the exact cause of death has not yet been determined.

Although several studies have been done, it is still unclear whether stun guns have been directly responsible for the deaths. However, even Taser International Inc. said in a bulletin to law enforcement earlier this year that "any use of force, including the use of a CEW (Conducted Electrical Weapon), involves risks that a person might get hurt or die due to the effects of the CEW."

The warning is well taken. But electronic weapons, if used properly, are still preferable to firearms for subduing uncontrollable suspects.

Guidelines adopted last month by the Police Officer Standards and Training Council of the Connecticut Police Academy for use of stun guns may help departments ensure that they are following best practices.

They note that police should use only "the level of force necessary to accomplish lawful objectives." They also point out that "certain individuals may be more susceptible to injury." Electric weapons should be used "the least number of times, and no longer than necessary, to accomplish the legitimate operational objective."

The guidelines are reasonable, and it appears that New Britain police followed them.

Local departments should make sure they, too, are in line with the recommended state procedures.